About Us
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (John 1:10)
We provide an atmosphere of acceptance and safety
WATSA (Wholistic Approach To Substance Abuse) is a unique Christ-centered self-help support group.
We provide an atmosphere of acceptance and safety where the unconditional love of Christ can be experienced. We encourage individuals to take on the task of having their lives transformed through Christ. Recovery and wholeness is possible with Jesus Christ because He makes it so. God can begin his healing process and restore hurting individuals to a state of peace and self-control as we study the Word of God, pray and spend time together, and become willing to be open and honest with each other about our strengths and weaknesses.
Our Goal
Our goal and purpose is to (1) provide fellowship while recovering, (2) place the past behind us and start at this point to live our lives for God and family, (3) to gain a better understanding of drugs and other mind-altering substances and their affect on us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically, (4) to gain a deeper understanding of our acceptance in Christ as we begin our new life of faith, (5) and the dedicate ourselves to others who are suffering as we once suffered.
My Story
My name is Clarence Boone. I can remember being raised in a family of complicated paradoxes. There were times when I felt loved as a child but often those times were interrupted by my parents arguing and my father becoming angry, drinking and abusing my mother. This continued until my mother decided she could not handle it any longer and so my mother and I separated from the rest of my family. I was the youngest and easiest just to pick up and escape the abuse without any clear picture of the future. My parents were originally farmers and landowners in Hernando, MS. They had 12 children consisting of 8 boys and 4 girls. My parents both had a strong belief in God, unparalleled work ethics, and freedom of education, economic freedom and success. Mississippi painted a picture of harsh racism, segregation with cruel Jim Crow laws. Memphis, TN offered a better hope for my family so we migrated there when I was only a year old. However, for my mother and I it was short lived because of the continuous anger, arguing, drinking, and abuse that my mother was subjected to, from my father. Moving on was very difficult…
TESTIMONIES
Charles C.
I joined WATSA in December of 1988. Upon joining the group I was and lived a life of drugs for 17 years. Looking for hope in myself and in others. I really didn’t find it until I started going to the group sessions moderated by Clarence Boone. With 3 to 4 members at that time and the support from the ministerial staff lead me into a life with Jesus Christ. Studying the word of God, praying and talking with the other members who had or was living the same life style as I. Every Tuesday night for 5 years I attended the meeting with assurance of other members, staff, and ministers of the church that visit us that Jesus was the only way to overcome any addiction that had plagued my life. Upon learning the power of God, I realize not only did he free me from my addiction but also God performed other miracles as well.
Therefore, WATSA in my life help put me on a path that gave me faith. Through WATSA, I found a new leaf on life, the closer I became to Christ. Not know what life had in stored for me but WATSA taught me that through Jesus Christ all things are possible. Having this day of the 17th of November of 2011 with 23 years behind me since I asked God of help me and he did. WATSA illustrated the power, presence, and promise of God, that’s kept me alive with purpose knowing he will always be with me.
Michael J.
At the age of 19 I began to try numerous drugs, such as acid, marijuana, downers to name a few. As time went on I began to use cocaine as well. This began a downward spiral in my life that lead me to do things that were demoralizing. Selling my shoes off my feet, the coat off my back, spending everything I could, begging, borrowing, and stealing. These random acts lasted around 10 years. It’s hard to imagine I lived a drug addicted life that long considering the amount of drugs I used, and how frequent I used them. As a child, I was raised in the church, so I knew there was a God, however I didn’t how to have a personal relationship with him. In August of 1992 I joined Mississippi Blvd Christian Church were I met Clarence Boone. At the time Clarence lead a recovery group known WATSA. I joined WATSA under his leadership and my life hasn’t been the same since. With the help of WATSA, and putting God first I’ve been sober since August 26, 1992. Glory to God!